Environmental factors influencing the abundance and spatial distribution of modern dinoflagellate cysts in Izmir Bay (Eastern Mediterranean)

Aydin H., Uzar S., Cingöz E. E., KÜÇÜKSEZGİN F., Pospelova V.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol.205, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 205
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116612
  • Journal Name: Marine Pollution Bulletin
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Dinoflagellate cyst, Environmental conditions, Eutrophication, Izmir Bay, Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Water quality
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We analyzed surface sediments from 12 stations located in Izmir Bay to determine the impact of anthropogenic pollution on dinoflagellate cysts. Forty-three dinoflagellate cyst taxa and two cyst assemblage zones were identified. Zone 1 is characterized by the dominance of cysts of Gymnodinium nolleri, Selenopemphix nephroides, and Operculodinium centrocarpum from the oligotrophic part of Izmir Bay. Zone 2 is in the highly productive inner part of the bay and is characterized by the high abundances of Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Spiniferites ramosus, cysts of Scrippsiella spp., cysts of Polykrikos spp. and Quinquecuspis concreta. We used multivariate statistical analysis (DCA and CCA) on dinoflagellate cysts and environmental variables to support the identification of Zones 1 and 2. Our analyses also revealed that summer and winter chlorophyll-a as well as elevated nitrate and nitrite concentrations are significant parameters in controlling dinoflagellate cyst distribution in Izmir Bay.